PMA Commandant advise aspiring cadets to take the first step

BGen. Julius A. Tomines, PA, commandant of cadets of PMA.  Photo credit to PMA

SAN MATEO, Isabela-BGen. Julius A. Tomines, the commandant of cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in an exclusive interview, advised the aspiring cadets to do the first step by applying and taking the entrance examination.

“If they think that they are qualified and want to serve our fellow Filipinos and our country through military service, then apply and take the Philippine Military Academy Entrance Examination (PMAEE). After passing the exam, they will undergo medical psychological, and physical exams,” Tomines said.

Since the pandemic began, the dates and procedures of taking the entrance examination were modified to follow the required health standards released by the Inter-Agency Task Force for Covid-19. But this year, Tomines said the one-time exam system usually conducted on the 3rd Sunday of August will be implemented. From the previous 45 examination centers nationwide, PMA added one in Ormoc and in Surigao.

This year’s PMAEE will cover the following subject areas: algebra and geometry; grammar; composition; reading and comprehension; verbal reasoning; numerical reasoning and; pattern analysis. The online application is now officially open. Applicants may download and fill out the form at https://www.admission.pma.edu.ph.

“Usually from more or less 30,000 examinees, we get only 350 to compose the class. Indeed, it is very competitive. So, they should give their best in every step of the selection process. Hence, if they think and feel they have what it takes to become a PMA cadet, they should commit to their aspiration/goal and prepare for it mentally and physically,” Tomines stated.

Tomines is an inspiration to his fellow Isabelinos being the first and only West Pointer in the entire Province of Isabela. He is a native of Naguilian and had finished high school at Jones Rural School in Brgy. 2, Jones. He is an undergraduate of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at St. Mary’s College (now a university) in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; had spent one year at the Philippine Military Academy, Fort Gregorio Del Pilar before he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York.# MAE BARANGAN